‘9-1-1’ Star Angela Bassett ‘Can’t Wait’ to See What Happens Next After Athena’s ‘Groundbreaking’ Plane Landing
Note: The following story contains spoilers from Episode 3, Season 8 of “9-1-1.” “9-1-1” is no stranger to miraculous rescues, but Angela Bassett just pulled off her craziest rescue yet with an epic plane landing on Thursday.
Wrapping up the three-episode event that began with ABC’s first responder drama Bee-nado, the latest episode picks up as Athena Grant (Bassett) pilots a stranded passenger plane to safety with the help of air traffic control over the phone, her husband Bobby Nash (Peter Krause) and a very young video game enthusiast.
“What I love about being on ‘9-1-1’ is the ability to not only bring great television moments to the viewers, but also for us as actors to get into the role,” Bassett told TheWrap in an email. “I love shooting those intense action scenes, and especially with our younger actors. It’s fun to see the experience through their eyes.”
The rescue involves Athena landing the plane on a stretch of the 110 freeway in Los Angeles, after Bobby — who accidentally stole a fire truck from the fictional firefighting show he’s been watching since leaving the fire station — blocks the road with the help of Buck (Oliver Stark).
In the high-pressure situation, Athena feels the support of Bobby on the ground — who gives her confidence and guides her to him. In a golden moment for television, Athena lands the plane, coming to a complete stop right in front of where Bobby is standing on the fire truck.
“When you have a great, trustworthy co-star like Peter along for the ride, it’s always easy to be authentic and vulnerable in that moment,” Bassett said. “I’m grateful that our genuine care and love for each other as friends and colleagues came through on screen.”
In addition to the action-packed plane emergency scene, Athena was on board to help with an ongoing investigation into a prisoner named Dennis Jenkins (Glenn Plummer) with a deep connection to her past—the man who killed her fiancé in 1991, a loss that has affected her relationships ever since. After surviving the plane ordeal, Athena and Bobby help Dennis get the information he needs to give to the police. Later, a confrontation with a corrupt officer gives Dennis a chance at redemption, as he steps in front of Bobby when the man tries to shoot them.
Dennis survived his injuries, and Athena called his family and let go of the resentment that had lingered on her show.
“It’s been a long journey for Athena, and anyone who’s watched the show over the years knows that this is a painful part of her life that hasn’t been resolved,” Bassett said. “Athena has what I call a breakthrough when she’s finally able to put this behind her and move on with Bobby and the rest of her life.”
Bassett also praised the “pure joy” of working on the Ryan Murphy-produced drama for eight seasons — with more to come.
“Getting to know Athena and introducing her to the world has been one of the highlights of my career,” she said. “Wherever she decides to go next, I can’t wait to follow and step into her shoes.”
